Combining ability of maize landraces for yield and basic chemical composition of grain

The launch of a successful quality-oriented breeding program requires both mining the residual diversity in grain quality parameters contained in the elite, highyielding breeding material with good agronomic performance and introgression of new germplasm, such as local landraces, with a high level of targeted quality parameters per se. This study analyzed the combining abilities of 31 maize landraces and two divergent inbred lines–testers (ZPL217 and ZPL-255/75-5) regarding the yield and protein, starch, and lipid content, assessed by Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy as a fast, non-destructive, and cost-effective method. The general combining ability (GCA) defines the average behavior of genotype in hybrid combination, resulting from additive gene action, so positive GCA values of landraces AN13 and AN197 for protein, AN632 for lipids, and AN594 for starch content indicate that they can be valuable sources of the mentioned properties in quality-oriented maize breeding programs. The obtained correlation between starch content and protein and yield (−0.948 **; 0.587 **) pointed out that an increase in the protein content during breeding will be accompanied by a decrease in the starch content and yield. The specific combining ability (SCA) of the testers used, suggests their possible application in establishing and improving quality breeding programs’ initial material

Germination evaluation criteria for the maize secondary root system

Maize is the leading cereal crop in terms of worldwide production and trade, so it is of high importance to have uniform germination evaluation criteria. Although ISTA and AOSA rules have the same criterion for root system evaluation, the guidelines are not precise regarding the number and size of secondary roots that can replace defective primary roots. During normal growth and development, maize produces multiple root types, including primary, secondary, crown, brace roots, and associated lateral roots, to absorb water and nutrients. Carryover maize seed lots, which are commonly traded, especially in the case of inbred lines, more often contain seedlings with reduced and defective primary roots as a result of seed ageing. The objective of this study was to identify the minimum number and length of secondary roots to consider a maize seedling normal. Naturally aged seed was used in the experiment, i.e., seedlings that have naturally defective primary roots. Four hybrids created in the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje of different types and maturity groups (FAO 200-700) were used for the study. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted. Plant/ear height, total leaf number, silking/tasseling emergence, yield components, and yield were observed traits. The findings revealed that seedlings with a defective primary root could still produce fieldgrown plants comparable to those with intact roots, provided they had at least two secondary roots of length equal to the coleoptile. Tasseling and silking were significantly different, but this was not reflected in the yield as the most important agricultural trait. Measured yield per ear was reduced when the primary root was defective, but this was not significant in the case of two secondary roots. This study offers valuable insights into the criteria for maize root system evaluation during germination, with implications for the seed trade. Further research encompassing a broader range of maize genotypes is recommended to refine these criteria and improve seed quality assessments

Cold-stressed soybean susceptibility to Charcoal Rot

This study investigated the susceptibility of early-vegetation cold-stress soybean to Charcoal Rot (Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid) previously isolated from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa cv. Fibranova). Nine soybean cultivars (six of them creation of soybean breeding program at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, and three introduced) were subjected to three-day cold stress in a walk-in growth chamber starting when the soybean had a fully developed first trifoliate (V2 stage), i.e. 20 days after sowing (DAS). Tested cultivars belong from 00 to 0-I maturity group. The infection was performed on cold-stressed soybeans and soybeans grown in optimal conditions at 30 DAS by cut-stem inoculation technique. The infection lesion length was measured every three to four days for three weeks. Cold stress significantly affected the intensity of the symptoms compared to soybeans grown in optimal conditions for all except the S9 cultivar. There were also significant differences between cultivars in their infection response. Tested cultivars responded differently to artificial infection under optimal conditions, and differently under cold-stress conditions

A beta-carotene rich maize line as a resource of bioactive compounds

Maize is one of the major sources of provitamin A for humans. Thus, the improvement of provitamin A carotenoids in maize varieties through breeding or biofortification is a promising strategy to alleviate Vitamin A deficiency. Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje has a breeding program aimed to create beta-carotene rich (BCR) maize, using the integrated conventional and molecular breeding approach. One commercial standard maize (SM) inbred line was converted to its BCR counterpart with the aid of gene-specific molecular marker crtRB1-3ʹTE through marker assisted backcross breeding. The aim of this study was chemical evaluation of the improved line. Relevant bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, tocopherols and free phenolic acids content were analysed, and quality index (tryptophan to protein ratio) was determined. Beta carotene content (BC) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in BCR line compared to the SM line. This increase of 49.11% has confirmed the success of the conversion process. Among tocopherols, alpha-tocopherol (α-T) content was significantly higher (p<0.05) in comparison with SM. Out of free phenolic acids, content of caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA) were significantly higher (p<0.01), as well as gallic acid (GA) (p<0.05), while increase of p-coumaric acid (p-CoumA) content was not significant. Quality index (QI) was also elevated for 9.28% in BCR line, which implies improved nutritional quality of the protein. Furthermore, significant correlations (p<0.05) were identified between QI and GA, between BC and α-T, CA, p-CoumA, FA and protein content, as well as between α-T and CA and FA, indicating the possibility of simultaneous selection and improvement of these traits in our breeding material. Chemical evaluation has identified this BCR maize line as a good resource of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, it will serve as an important breeding material for developing maize hybrids with improved nutritional value

Impact of Adjuvants and Nozzles on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) and Waterhemp (A. tuberculatus (Moq.) J. D. Sauer) Control Using Mesotrione and Rimsulfuron + Thifensulfuron-Methyl

Limitations on the available herbicide portfolio for weed control have led to weed control failures, while application techniques such as proper selection of nozzle types, adjuvants, and herbicide selection have been suggested as one of the ways to maximize efficacy. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Pesticide Application Technology Laboratory of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln located in North Platte, NE, USA. This study sought to evaluate the effects of mesotrione (MES) and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl (RIMTHIF) in tank mixtures with five adjuvants (ammonium sulfate – AMS, crop oil concentrate – COC, drift reducing adjuvant – DRA, methylated seed oil – MSO, and nonionic surfactant – NIS) sprayed with three different nozzle types, XR (Extended Range), AIXR (Air Induction Extended Range), and TTI (Turbo TeeJet Induction) on common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer) and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) control. Applications were made when plants were 10-15 cm (14-16 BBCH) tall using a three-nozzle spray chamber (Generation 4 Research Sprayer; DeVries Manufacturing, Hollandale, MN, USA), calibrated to deliver 94 L ha-1 at 276 kPa. Following applications, plants were returned to the greenhouse for 28 days under the same growth conditions previously described. The aboveground biomass was harvested using clippers and oven-dried at 65 °C to constant mass, and dry weights were recorded. Selected nozzles did not influence efficacy. Adjuvant effect was significant for both species, while the interaction between herbicide versus adjuvant was significant for common waterhemp. Regardless of adjuvant, the highest biomass reduction (95%) was obtained by spraying MES associated with RIMTHIF, while herbicide pooled together provided 92% biomass reduction of Palmer amaranth. The MSO and NIS adjuvants provided biomass reductions of 98% and 97%, respectively. In general, all adjuvants increased the biomass reduction of common waterhemp in comparison to the solutions without adjuvant for MES and MES plus RIMTHIF herbicides. Conversely, RIMTHIF alone or associated with adjuvants produced the same biomass reduction, ranging from 91% to 96%. Our results suggest spraying tank mixtures of MES and RIMTHIF for successful Palmer amaranth and waterhemp control, whereas the MSO and NIS adjuvants can increase efficacy. Our results indicate possible alternatives to commonly used herbicide such as glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba for obtaining satisfactory weed control

Improving the bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat products in the diet

Proizvodi od pšenice su povećali dostupnost hrane, koja sadrži ugljеnе hidratе, protеina i еsеncijalne hranljive matеrije. Cilj rada je ocena nutritivne vrednosti semena pšenice i proizvoda od pšenice i metode poboljšanje bioraspoloživosti mineralnih elemenata. Ljudima jе potrеbno najmanjе 50 hranljivih matеrija za optimalno zdravljе, koje prеhrambеni sistеmi nе obеzbеđuju stanovništvu država u razvoju. Brojna istraživanja su predstavila da ishrana proizvodima od pšenice utiče na smanjenje dostupnosti mikronutrijenata kod siromašnog stanovništva, što je nadoknadjivano konzumiranjem mahunarki i voća koje su preskupe. Smanjena bioraspoloživost je rezultat osobine fitata da imaju afinitet vezivanja mikronutrijenata zbog čega se klasifikuju kao antinutrijenti. Smanjеnjе sadržaja fitinskе kisеlinе rezultira povećanom bioraspoloživošću minerala u odrеđеnim osnovnim namirnicama, što možе pružiti nutritivnе prеdnosti. Razgradnja fitata poboljšava apsorpciju minеralnih elemenata, što se postiže unošenjem hranе bogatе vitaminom C, poput limuna i crvеnih paprika, mahunarki i žitarica koje mogu poboljšati bioraspoloživost ovih minеrala. Uključivanjе bеlog i crnog luka u ishranu takođе možе nеutralisati nеgativnе еfеktе fitinskе kisеlinе na apsorpciju gvožđa i cinka. Kod proizvoda pšenice, smanjenje fitata postiže se tokom procesa obrade hrane korišćenjem mеtoda poput namakanja, klijanja, sladovanja i fеrmеntacijе. Na taj način se mogu značajno promеniti fitohеmijska svojstva i preventivno uticati na smanjenje šećera u krvi, smanjenje rizika od koronarne bolesti srca, moždanog udara i srčane insuficijencije.Wheat products have increased the availability of foods containing carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients. The aim of this work is to evaluate the nutritional value of wheat seeds and wheat products, as well as methods for improving the bioavailability of mineral elements. Humans need at least 50 nutrients for optimal health, which food systems do not provide to populations in developing countries. Numerous studies have shown that eating wheat products reduces the availability of micronutrients, which is offset by the consumption of legumes and fruits, which are too expensive for the poor population. Reduced bioavailability is a result of phytates' property of binding to micronutrients, which is why they are classified as antinutrients. The breakdown of phytates improves the absorption of minerals, and combining foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons and red peppers, with legumes and grains can enhance the bioavailability of these mineral elements. The inclusion of garlic and onion can also neutralize the negative effects of phytic acid on the absorption of iron and zinc. A reduction in phytic acid levels results in increased bioavailability of the minerals in certain staple foods and may provide nutritional benefits. The process of food processing, using methods such as soaking, germination, malting, and fermentation, can significantly change the phytochemical properties and have a preventive effect on reducing blood sugar, as well as lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure

Variability of seed maize inbred lines depending on the degree of defoliation

The research examined the variability of maize inbred lines depending on different intensities of defoliation. Three maternal commercial inbred lines were tested in 2016 and 2017. at two locations (Zemun Polje and Parage). The experiment was set up in two sowing densities: 50,000 plants/ha and 65,000 plants/ha. Five different defoliation treatments were applied ( T1- panicle removal, T2- the first leaf panicle removal, T3- the two apex leaf panicle removal, T4- the three apex leaf panicle removal, and T5- the removal of the panicle together with the four apical leaves. The following characteristics were examined: grain yield, number of rows of grains, number of grains in a row, cob length, weight of 1000 grains, germination energy, germination and fractional share in seed mass. Inbred line L217RfC showed the lowest value of yield variation, while line L335/99 showed the highest grain yield values in all ecological conditions, sowing densities and applied treatments. The results of statistical tests, with special reference to grain yield, indicate the importance of the intensity of defoliation in seed crops. A significant decrease in grain yield was found in inbred lines with removal of panicles with three leaves, and an even more significant decrease in yield was determined with treatment removal of panicles with four leaves. A high significance of ecological conditions (year × location) was established, where 2016. was a more favorable year, and the location of Parage had the more favorable agroecological conditions during both years of field experiments. The results of the research indicate a weak influence of sowing density on the yield and grain quality. Factors like: genotype, defoliation treatments and environmental conditions, as well as their mutual interactions, showed a high significance on the manifestation of grain yield and yield components by analysis of variance ANOVA